The New York Knicks stepped up to secure a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Although the Knicks were down as much as 20 points in the game, they never gave up and erased the deficit. The culmination of their comeback led to the clutch plays on both ends to give them the 91-90 victory.
On the offensive end, All-Star guard Jalen Brunson made two significant free throws. His final free throw of the game gave New York a one-point lead with less than 15 seconds left. On the other end, Celtics star Jayson Tatum saw a mismatch against Mitchell Robinson. He drove left for a potential game-winner. However, he was met by the hounding defense of the Knicks.
As Tatum tried to pass the ball outside, Mikal Bridges was already on his right side and got his third steal of the night. The Knicks secured the ball, and there wasn’t enough time for Boston to do anything to even the series.
After the game, former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson gave a notable shoutout to three players on the Knicks. According to Magic, he believes the three players helped Brunson and the team win.
“The biggest reason the Knicks won was because the three role players stepped up this game – Josh Hart had 23 points, Karl Anthony-Towns had 21, and Mikal Bridges notched the game ending block and 14 points to seal the victory for the Knicks. Their mindset to never give up came to fruition and they beat the Celtics 91-90,” the five-time champion posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The biggest reason the Knicks won was because the three role players stepped up this game – Josh Hart had 23 points, Karl Anthony-Towns had 21, and Mikal Bridges notched the game ending block and 14 points to seal the victory for the Knicks. Their mindset to never give up came to…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 8, 2025
For Game 3, the Celtics will be at a disadvantage as they’ll face the Knicks in their home court, Madison Square Garden. The third game of their best-of-seven series will be on Saturday.
Four-time champion thinks the pressure is on the New York Knicks to win Game 3
While they are up 2-0, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal thinks the New York Knicks are under pressure heading into Game 3. According to O’Neal, for the Knicks to put pressure on the defending champions, they must win at home on Saturday.
“They’re up two,” Shaq said. “Now, for the Knicks, don’t get comfortable, it’s a must-win for Boston but it’s also a must-win for the Knicks.”
"This gon' sound stupid. Game 3 is a must-win for the Knicks" 🗣️
Chuck explains why from his personal experience 🤔 pic.twitter.com/56cREe3JM5
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 8, 2025
His co-host, former All-Star Charles Barkley, agreed with his take. Based on his experience, Barkley said the New York Knicks have to stay composed and win three straight games against the Celtics.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
